{Latest Obsession: Hummus}

While I have some extra time on my hands this morning I thought I would share our latest obsession... hummus! Here is a great recipe I found in a Weight Watchers magazine. We make it at least once a week, enjoy!

picture courtesy of digestlove.com

Tuscan White Bean Hummus
Points Plus Value: 2
Yields: 10 servings
Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons

What You'll Need:

• 1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1 Tbsp grated lemon rind
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor; process until blended. Serve with fresh vegetables or baked pita chips.

What's your latest obsession?


mike + sam

{Weekend Update: Babies and more Babies}

I want to share with you a weekend update before another weekend happens! This week has just flown by. I started my new routine of going to school Monday-Thursday in the mornings and then going to work until 5-5:30. It's been a busy schedule but having the chance to go back to school and the support from my husband, family and friends makes it all worth while. Thanks guys!

Last Friday morning I took off early to meet some long lost friends and their new additions at our favorite place, Olive Garden. It had literally been 5 years since us girls got together. Before husbands and definitely before babies. It was great to catch up and get some baby love from their precious kids.

Very serious Nash

This is Mr. Nash Whittan Jackson. He is Robin and Blake Jackson's precious little boy.

Me and Jo

This is super cute Miss Jolie Renee Stevenson. Or as most call her Jo or JoJo! She is Kristin and Sean Stevenson's little miss!

After a more than filling lunch at Olive Garden I headed over to see my favorite two year old, Olivia Faye. If you have read my other posts you'll know who Olivia is. If you haven't, you should, haha. She is the most energetic little girl I have ever met and just absolutely crazy and precious. Here is a recent video I took of Olivia and her Mom and Dad. They might have done some brainwashing...

Then, on Saturday morning I got to be a part of a baby shower for my good friend Jennifer and her soon to arrive little miss Ella. She got so many cute gifts and I can't wait to see Miss Ella wear them around town. When you're ready to come out girlfriend... we're waiting! Here are a few pictures from the shower.

Molly, Myself, and Leeann. Love you girls! 

Jenn (with Ella), Myself, and Vanessa (with Caden). We can't wait to meet you both! 

All my lovely "Woodlands" girls! Miss you! 

mike + sam

{Slow Cooker: Chicken Tacos}

I usually work late on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Either at the office or out showing property. So, coming home and making a meal has been um, not existent on those days. Then, I saw this recipe and remembered I have a slow cooker! PTL!

Recipe and Photo courtesy of FamilyGo.com via Pinterest

What you'll need:

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless, chicken thighs
• 1 whole onion, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 (12 oz.) jar of your favorite salsa
• 1 small can green chilies, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed 
• Tortillas

Toppings we used:

• 1 avocado, sliced 
• Shredded cheese
• Sour Cream {low fat}
• Lettuce
• Tomato 

Directions:

1. Place chicken in the bowl of your slow cooker. Top with salsa, chopped green chilies, cumin, onion, and garlic. Cover and set on low. Cook for 8 hours.
2. Remove chicken from pot, shred, and return to juices. {When I opened the lid the chicken had literally fallen apart on its own. I just stirred and voila!} 
3. Spoon chicken into tortillas, with whatever toppings your family likes. Or use the meat to make burritos, tostadas, or as filling for enchiladas.
4. Enjoy! 

I just might cut this recipe in half next time for just the two of us. But, we do have some good leftovers :)

What slow cooker recipe have you made lately? 

mike + sam

{Inspiration: Fall}

Today, I am loving lots of things on Pinterest! Especially all things FALL! I wish it would just hurry up and get here! I want cooler weather and new boots! Is that too much to ask? :)
In case you don't know what Pinterest is, it's a site that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use "pinboards" to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, organize their favorite recipes..., etc. Here are some of my favorite fall pins: 

Outfits

Decor

Eats & Treats

What great things have you found on Pinterest lately? Don't have a Pinterest account? Leave me a comment with your email and I can send you an invite!

mike + sam

{tasty tuesday: roasted salsa}

If you know me I have made and eaten A LOT of salsa. This is indeed the BEST salsa I have ever made, EVER, and it's so easy!

Note: This recipe makes a lot so I cut the recipe in half for the 2 of us.

What you'll need:

• 16 full-size tomatoes {I used 8 roma tomatoes}
• 2-3 yellow onions {I used 1 1/2}
• 20-25 serrano peppers, remove caps {I used 12 and left 3 with seeds in. Leave in more if you like it HOT}
• 8-10 cloves of garlic {I used 5-6 cloves)
• 1-2 Tbsp of salt {I used 1 Tbsp}
• 1-2 bunches of cilantro {I used one big handful of one bunch}

Directions: 

1. Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees
2. Halve the tomatoes and onions and lay cut side up on a cookie sheet along with the peppers and garlic
3. Roast until the onions are nice and translucent, tomatoes are soft and peppers have a nice char on them, about 20-25 minutes
4. Let it all cool a bit {I waited about 20 minutes - which was hard to do}
5. Run through the food processor with salt and cilantro {I had to do this in two batches}
6. Stir it all together and enjoy!

recipe and photo courtesy of oneparticularkitchen.com 

mike + sam

{Foodie: Torchy's Tacos}

I like to think of myself as an amateur foodie and love to try any place new. In the process we get explore the surrounding areas like Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock. Our latest foodie adventure took us to Torchy's Tacos in central Austin. Torchy's had been recommended to us by several people and it did not disappoint!

As we arrived the line was literally out the door! We took this as a good sign, joined the line, and browsed the menu. Michael landed on the "Democrat" with shredded beef barbacoa topped with fresh avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, onions, and wedge of lime {$3.75}. I chose the "Trailer Park" with fried chicken, green chilies, pico de gallo and poblano sauce {$3.25}. I also chose to make my taco "trashy" and added queso. 

We chose a table on the inviting patio surround by a bamboo "wall" and necessary ceiling fans. We also ordered chips and the salsa "Roja" which practically came in a soup bowl {$3.50}. They must know we like a lot of salsa and bottomless chips! Our tacos came out juicy, moist, and flavorful, piled high with our respective toppings and two corn tortillas, {flour is also an option}. 

We had eaten most of the salsa by this point :)

The food was great, the staff friendly and atmosphere casual. We will definitely be returning to Torchy's Tacos soon!

What new places have you tried lately?

mike + sam

{DIY: Nightstand}

I am finally catching up with the blog...again. I have lots of new DIY projects, restaurants, and recipes to share with you soon!

So, I have been searching and searching for inspiration for our guest bedroom and finally found it  - yellow, white, red and teal!

Jaipur collection by Echo at Bed, Bath & Beyond

The one piece I already had was my nightstand that was part of my childhood furniture. So off to Lowe's I went in search of spray paint! Enjoy the before and after pictures and a big thanks to my amazing husband!

Before

MJ hard at work

All painted

All dry

After

What we did: 

1. Remove all hardware
2. Sand it down with high grit sand paper to remove any paint {MJ got to buy an orbital sander}
3. Sand it again with a finer grit sand paper
4. Tape off and hit with spray paint {we did 2 coats of high gloss Exotic Sea Glass by Valspar}
5. Let dry overnight and add the hardware back on

I hope this inspires you to re-vamp a piece in your house!

mike + sam